fdisk problems, installing Linux on old windows server
 

Hey guys,

Please be patient with me, I'm new to Linux when it comes to installing.

I've picked up an old Dell Poweredge 4300 windows server. It has XP currently on it but does not boot.

I want to install Slackware 10.0 on it but when I use 'cfdisk' I get a message saying 'Fatal error' and returns me to the linux prompt. I've tried using fdisk to wipe the disks but I can't seem to get anywhere with it. How do I wipe the server and create a linux partition?

The server has a 7 x 9Gb SCSI drive installed. Could this be the problem?

Many thanks,

Canaryak.

Are they a raid set ???.
Slack 11 seems to be out - maybe try that, and go with a 2.6 kernel.

Better yet, try asking in the Slack forum, rather than here.

It may be a problem with older kernels. I think the new version of slack has an option to use a 2.6 kernel. You could try a small live cd like puppy or gparted to see if a 2.6 kernel does the job.

I agree, it's probably a kernel problem. The 2.4.31 kernel with Slackware 10.2 won't even boot on my old Dell Precision 420 (dual PIII, SCSI), though SUSE (2.6 kernel) installed fine.

Thanks guys,

I'll give it a go and get back to you.